Bob_KY

Print maps of ports, pack, repack, get deet for mosquitoes, review spreadsheet (this could be me only), find port restaurants,  review ship deck plans for at least 15 times, no matter how tempted- do not buy uli knives, review glacier ice colors to know what it means, study lyrics of wash your hands, discipline yourself to sit by windows along the inner passage (whales), learn Alaska jokes like: while hiking put a small bell on your backpack to alert bears.  Also study up on bear scat.  Easy to ID.  It is the one with a small bell in it.....

Spreadsheets are not just a you thing. I have at least 3. Lol

We were on Apex last month and really loved it. I think if you have children or a big party person, then Royal would be better. If you're a little older and like it a little quieter, Celebrity is a better choice. We sail both but I kind of lean towards Celebrity.

I started tipping our  cabin steward a little bit on the first day and a little bit later in the week the last few cruises.

I say tip what you feel is warranted. With the exception of my room steward, I tip as I go. I don't like to wait to the end and have to hunt down anybody. I could only eat in the MDR the first night and never go back, the same with any other venue. 

I could tip the extra at the end. I’m a little rusty. I don’t think I’ve been on Royal Caribbean since they got rid of skeet shooting. I also plan on tipping extra no matter the quality of service. There could be reasons if the service is not the very best, they could be having a bad day or maybe they’re homesick and no matter what, they are assisting me and the least I can do is appreciate the effort.

I tip bartenders $1 or $2 each time I order.  I also give room stewart some extra money on the first day of the cruise.  Anything beyond the normal tipping is always appreciated.  

He had a high fever and started coughing. I brought tests from home. Tested him and self reported it to the cruise line. Wanted to do the right thing by reporting it and trying to make sure no one else got it from us. 

I think the judge's order will stand.  The CDC's argument that this specific ruling could impact it ability to oversee public health should there be another pandemic is nothing more than a scare tactic.  And their argument that they still need to protect immune compromised individuals on traveling on mass transit doesn't hold water because at this point it is every persons individual responsibility to protect themselves whether they are immune compromised or not.  My dad who is immune compromised continues to double mask he wears a 3 ply surgical mask and an N95 mask on top of the surgical mask. He and my mom are getting on an airplane in couple of weeks heading to Hawaii. Both have been vaccinated and because of their age and my dads condition they've been double boosted my mother said she is not wearing a mask on the 9+ hour nonstop flight from Chicago to Maui, they will not cancel their vacation after more than 2 years of not taking one and my dad is good with that.  At this point in the pandemic I think any reasonable judge will see that we don't need the CDC to hold our hand any longer with mandates.  It is past time that people take personal responsibility for their own safety and if you think the risk is to high then stay home and let the rest of us get on with our lives.  

Thank you everyone for the answers!  The suite lounge concierge reached out to us, and we have all of our dining setup now and we have a cabana on Bare Foot Beach.  Can't wait till Sunday.
We originally had a Balcony room and the minimum bid for the upgrade was $500 each I think ($1000 total) and we did $600 each ($1200) total for our bid.

What's the destination?  That is a big factor in answering the question. Also, what is the length of the cruise?
Most of everything already stated in the above replies are excellent ideas.  Here is my list, which may repeat some ideas from above:
1. Medicine. Don't over do it though.  You can always buy stuff on board or in ports.
2. Sunblock.
3. Travel games.  We take travel card games.  
4. Magnetic hooks.
5. Over-the-door shoe organizer.
6. Ziploc bags.  We use these to store cookies or other snacks that we bring back to the room.  Also handy for wet clothes if not immediately returning to the room.  
7. Travel sized stain remover.
8. Some sort of bathroom deodorizer.  Four people sharing one bathroom can get gross.
9. Cruise approved power block.
10. A packable duffel bag.  You can use this for going to the pool.  We tend to somehow bring home more items than taking on board.  The packable duffel bag allows us to bring home souvenirs and such.
11. Eyeglass repair kit.  Even if you don't wear glasses, if you wear sunglasses, this may come in handy and is miniscule in size so no excuse for not packing.
12. Paper back ups for all travel documents.  Do not rely on your phone, screenshots, etc...
13. Cash. In small denominations, one credit card, and one government ID (unless otherwise needed). Carry only the bare minimum amount of credit cards.  No need to travel with 5 credit cards, 4 forms of ID, etc.  Eliminate the headaches in case of theft.
14. Lanyard seapass holders.
15. A good book.  
16. Binoculars. This is specific to Alaska of anywhere else with lots of scenery. 
17. Packable rain jackets or umbrellas.  Again, specific to Alaska.
If you look at these items, you will notice that even in the aggregate, they will not take up much space.  

Lots of sunscreen! Our family of five blew through two full bottles of spray on sunscreen and when my husband lost our only bottle of lotion it cost 22 dollars on board to get more! And yes, snacks for the room!

Magnetic hooks! Lots of metal wall space in the cabin, so these hooks are lifesavers for keeping everyone organized and even for hanging wet bathing suits. Link below for ones we've bought before, but there are tons of options on Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/Magnetic-Ｍaximum-Neodymium-Corrosion-Protection/dp/B0787Q54M1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=AZ044N7BHDVL&keywords=magnet+hooks+for+cruise+cabin&qid=1649861645&sprefix=magnet+hooks%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3

Thats a subjective personal assessment. What I will say is Sheryl and I love the JS for a host of reasons. Extra space, bathtub and walk in closet chief among them.
 

The JS on Quantum class ships are pretty nice.  
The answer to your question really depends on what you are looking for.....extra space to relax, bigger bathroom, more C & A points, embarkation line with other suite guests, access to Coastal Kitchen?
We like the extra space and points but only if the $$ to book a JS over a balcony are not enormous. 
 

Yes! You'll love the extra space and bigger closet. And it's the first step leading to even bigger and better suites and wondering why you waited so long to do it.🙂

Forget the suite perks.  I just don't know how we'll ever survive without two bathrooms in our cabin again.  

It's to keep @Big Dawg Ron out. I approve.

Totally forgot about this thread, but we used Costco and no problems at all. Also since it's part of the pharmacy, no membership required.

Boarded today with the Costco Covid test and no questions asked. 

To get a better choice of boarding times if you check in right away.  You can always go in and add information later, but you'll want to have your passports, vaccine cards, and the credit card that  you want on your SeaPass account.

While the FAQ says unvaccinated are "expected" to mask up, today's email says they're just recommended.
 

This is so sad.  It impacts their families, friends, witnesses and crew members as well as the first responders.  My prayers go out to all of them.

The floor of the Windjammer.

They sell them in lots of 3 or 6 so yes 9 should be good